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MetService has issued a severe weather watch for the Marlborough, Wellington, Nelson, and Buller areas.

Cold southerlies are forecast to spread up the east coast tomorrow, bringing heavy rain and southerly gales to Kaikoura, Marlborough and Wellington.

A team Wellington SPCA staff arrived in Marlborough today and are heading to affected areas to assist with animal welfare.

For those wishing to help people in need, the Salvation Army is accepting donations of non-perishable items at their office on 35 George Street, Blenheim, on weekdays between 9am and 2pm until further notice.

Useful items to donate are bottled water, tea, coffee, long life milk, tinned food and toiletries. Civil Defence will deliver these items to affected residents in Marlborough.

For any other offers of assistance please call the local council on 03 520 7400.